This year's contenders in the best picture (drama) category were "Argo," "Lincoln," "Django Unchained," "Life of Pi" and "Zero Dark Thirty."

The Golden Globes are chosen by fewer than 90 self-described L.A.-based entertainment journalists who often favor films with an international flair and big-name stars. Though their tastes do not align perfectly with Oscar voters', the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. can give a boost to late-charging award contenders.